verb
demean
dih-MEEN
Demean (verb) means to lower someone's dignity or make them seem less worthy of respect. Example: “The insult was meant to demean her in front of colleagues.”
verb
1
To lower someone's dignity or make them seem less worthy of respect.
"The insult was meant to demean her in front of colleagues."
"He refused to demean himself by begging."
How to use demean
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make someone (often yourself) look small, unworthy, or less respected.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with demeanor, which is about how someone behaves or carries themselves, not about lowering their dignity.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
demean yourself
demeaning remark
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Word forms
- Plural
- demeans
- Third person singular
- demeans
- Past tense
- demeaned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The insult was meant to _____ her in front of colleagues.
Etymology
From de- plus an old sense of mean meaning "lowly, common", from Old English gemæne.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for demean
See all rhymes for demean →Frequently asked questions
What does “demean” mean?
The word “demean” means to lower someone's dignity or make them seem less worthy of respect. In plain terms, to make someone (often yourself) look small, unworthy, or less respected.
How do you pronounce “demean”?
“Demean” is pronounced dih-MEEN (/dɪˈmiːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “demean” in a sentence?
Here is “demean” used in a sentence: “The insult was meant to demean her in front of colleagues.”
What is another word for “demean”?
Words with a similar meaning to “demean” include abase, bring down to size, cut down to size, debase, defame and degrade.
What is the opposite of “demean”?
The opposite of “demean” — its antonyms — are aggrandize and glorify.
What part of speech is “demean”?
“Demean” is a verb.
Where does the word “demean” come from?
The word “demean” comes from Old English. From de- plus an old sense of mean meaning "lowly, common", from Old English gemæne.
